Cousin Soup & Spirographing

The cousins came to play today. Mary and Annie played with Mary's new spirograph kit. I remember "spirographing" when I was little, so I was excited to buy it for her birthday this year. Then all the kids poured themselves in to this sweet cousin soup.

Bobbio's Field Trip

The kids and I headed to Bobbio's pizza for our final joy school field trip. The kids got to take a tour and bake their own pizzas; it was super delicious!

Big Air Day

Since the school met their fundraising goal the kids were treated to a day of jumpy houses. They staggered the classes so that each student could rotate through the 3 jump houses for a half hour. Noah's class was one of the first ones so I got to catch a few pictures while I helped manage the chaos (although they really didn't need me there was so much help).

Mary's Baptism Invite

It's getting so close! I just can't believe she's getting baptized! I finished her invitation today and we started addressing them. Mary went to activity day girls tonight and was so excited to cross something off on her Faith in God booklet. She brought this family fan chart and a story about Grammie's childhood polio to share.

Vertically Challenged

We've been talking about it for a while and finally decided to go for it. We cut down the top part of our island three inches to a more kid-friendly/short-friendly height. I have a feeling ti will change the entire function of the kitchen. I'm getting excited for these changes.

Standing Up

Cameron tells me all the time that he, "Needs to go potty standing up". He loves being able to stand instead of sit. He has even taken the opportunity to do it outside once or twice. I have told him several times that outdoor potty trips are only for emergencies (like when we were stuck at a soccer field for an hour without a restroom in sight), so he sneakily does it when I am not looking (or when he thinks I'm not looking). I think he forgot to put something back on in this photo.

My Sweet Boy

I got this email from Noah's teacher yesterday. I have been thinking about his tender kind heart a lot lately. I'm so grateful I get to be his mom.

Allison,

     I wanted to share a cute moment I had with Noah today.  I sometimes eat in the cafeteria at lunch and did so today.  I had the privilege of sitting next to Noah.  I have sat with kindergarten students many times over the last few years and third grade students before that but I must say this was the best conversation I have ever had at lunch.  I actually enjoyed myself beyond just being entertained by the kids which is always fun.

     First, Noah asked me all kinds of questions about what I liked to eat, what my favorites were, and shared his favorite restaurant (after some hints/guesses).  He listened and didn't just talk at me.  He responded to what I was saying and continued the conversation, not just jumping from topic to topic.  This is all rare in any elementary school chat.  Then he did something I have NEVER seen in my years in the classroom/cafeteria.  

     Elise was sitting on the other side of him and also trying to participate in the conversation, and also with appropriate dialogue, questions, etc.  So Noah asked Elise if she wanted to trade spots so she could have her turn I think and her share of the conversation. It was such a thoughtful thing to do, and I know they are cousins but still really kind and without prompting from Elise or me.  It was just a great way to spend my lunch and I think a great example of what lovely children you are raising.  Thank you for sharing with me.

Kerrie